Dryden Native Friendship Centre- Media Release

Dryden Native Friendship Centre would like to acknowledge all our volunteers who have assisted with so many events at DNFC over the past year. In the month of May, DNFC has always held a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to acknowledge our volunteers and their generous spirit of helping community. This year due to pandemic, we at DNFC will be postponing this Appreciation Dinner until September 2020.

One of DNFC’s largest gatherings is our annual powwow, which is usually held on Indigenous Peoples day on June 21st. Due to pandemic this year, we at DNFC have made the decision not to hold this event. We do apologize as this is a wonderful cultural gathering that brings together community members, families, and service providers to showcase the incredible programs and services that Dryden has to offer. Instead, we will be posting an acknowledgement of this day on our website dnfconline.org.

Please contact the Dryden Native Friendship Centre for further details.

On behalf of the Dryden Native Friendship Centre Board of Directors and staff,

Please stay safe and practise physical distancing.

Miigwetch

Cheryl Edwards

Executive Director

Dryden Native Friendship Centre

CORONAVIRUS- COVID 19

Boozhoo! The safety of Dryden Native Friendship Centre (DNFC) clients, families, volunteers, staff and community members is our number one priority. The World Health Organization declared COVID 19 a global pandemic. Although the perceived risk in Ontario is currently low, we are implementing strategies to manage and prevent spread of the virus. Many of our clients are seniors with underlying health issues and are vulnerable.

Effective immediately until further notice: Dryden Native Friendship Centre will be suspending all programming and our Centre will be closed to the public. We at DNFC shall monitor and make the community aware of programming re-launch dates in April. These measures may be extended as more information becomes available.

The following limited services will be available:

• Phone check ins by program coordinators

• Limited urgent transportation for medical only as arranged by program coordinators, if available.

If you know of anyone who is isolated or in need of support, please contact our line

(888)838-3632 Ext. 7, which will be available Monday to Friday between 8:30-4:30.

During these challenging times, we at DNFC will continue to make the best decisions we can for the well-being of staff and community.

Miigwetch,

Cheryl Edwards

Executive Director

Resources and Help Lines:

Government of Canada Coronavirus Information Line: 1-833-784-4397

EI Sickenss benefits: 1-833-381-2725

Northwestern Health Unit 1-800-830-5978 after hours: 1-866-475-6505

Dryden Dingwall Medical Clinic: (807)223-6683

Dryden Regional Health Centre: (807)223-8200

Hoshizaki House: (807)223-3226

Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000

KDSB: 1-800-461-5766 Confederation College: (807)223-3035

Talk 4 Healing: 1-855-544-4325"

Successful Community Feast At Friendship Centre | CKDR

A great night of festive celebrations at the Dryden Native Friendship Centre.

The centre held a community feast on Thursday where over 200 friends and family came out

to enjoy a good meal and good company.

After the meal was over, children at the event were treated to a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus as well.

Dryden Native Friendship Centre Executive Director Cheryl Edwards was excited to see Santa and Mrs. Claus as well.

The Dryden Native Friendship Centre is thanking the local businesses and members for their generous donations and support.

They are also thankful for the many community volunteers that came together to make the event possible.